Updated to reflect changes for travelers with dual nationality

Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

Country Summary: Terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso.

Terrorism
Terrorists may attack anywhere with little or no warning and may utilize various tactics including the use of common, commercially available items or the use of kidnapping for ransom. Targets may include but are not limited to:

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Police stations
• Customs offices
• Areas at or near mining sites
• Places of worship
• Military posts
• Schools

Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

The threat of kidnapping remains persistent throughout Burkina Faso, including in Ouagadougou and especially in the Sahel and East regions.

State of Emergency
The Transition Authorities of Burkina Faso have maintained a state of emergency in the following territories:

• The entire Saheland East regions
• The provinces of Kossi and Sourou (Boucle de Mouhoun region)
• The province of Kenedougou (Hauts Bassins region)
• The province of Loroum (North region)
• The province of Koulpelogo (Center-East region)

Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in most of the country. U.S. government employees working in Burkina Faso are prohibited from traveling to regions outside the capital due to security concerns.

Due to a historically high crime rate, the U.S. Embassy discourages U.S. government personnel from nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also known as Dayongo) neighborhoods of Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11.

For travelers with dual nationality, local authorities may not recognize your U.S. nationality if you are also a national of Burkina Faso. Read the dual-nationality-traveler page for additional information about traveling with a dual nationality.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Burkina Faso.

If you decide to travel to Burkina Faso:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Take steps to lower your risk of becoming a victim of violence, including limiting trips to places frequented by tourists.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Remain aware of your surroundings and local events.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Burkina Faso.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.